GOATS WINDOW – BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
Effective Date: 1 July 2025
By confirming a reservation at Goats Window Luxury Safari Lodge (“Goats Window,” “the Lodge,” “we,” or “our”), you (“the guest”) acknowledge and accept these terms and conditions, which govern all bookings, use of the property, safety obligations, and expected guest conduct.
- Reservations & Payment Terms
Individual Bookings (1–9 guests):
- Full payment is required 45 days prior to arrival.
- Reservations made less than 45 days prior to arrival require full payment within 48 hours.
Group Bookings (10 or more guests):
- A 25% deposit is required 60 days prior to arrival.
- The remaining balance is due 45 days prior to arrival.
Peak Season (16 December – 10 January)
- A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm a reservation.
- The balance payment is required 60 days prior to arrival.
Additional Payment Conditions:
- All bank charges are to be covered by the guest, agent, or operator. If a refund is paid by Goats Window Luxury Safari Lodge, bank charges for the refund will be deducted from the refunded amount.
- Accepted Payments: Payments are processed in South African Rand (ZAR) only. We accept EFT and credit card payments. The lodge is cashless – all purchases are charged to the room.
- All additional costs incurred during the stay will be charged to the room and to be paid before departure from the property.
- Conservation Fee: A mandatory, non-refundable conservation fee is charged and used to fund sustainability and wildlife protection efforts.
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Individual Bookings (1–9 guests):
- Cancellations 46 days or more prior to arrival: Free cancellation.
- Cancellations 45 days or less prior to arrival: 100% of the booking value will be forfeited.
- No-shows: 100% cancellation fee applies.
- No refund will be given for guests who arrive but leave before completing their stay.
Group Bookings (10+ guests):
- Cancellations 61 days or more prior to arrival: Free cancellation.
- Cancellations 60–46 days prior to arrival: 25% deposit will be forfeited.
- Cancellations 45 days or less prior to arrival: 100% of the booking value will be forfeited.
- No-shows: 100% cancellation fee applies.
- No refund will be given for guests who arrive but leave before completing their stay.
All cancellations must be made in writing. Refunds are processed within 14 business days and may be subject to admin fees or exchange losses.
- Changing or Reducing Stay
- Date Changes: Allowed once if requested 30+ days prior to arrival and subject to availability. Seasonal rate differences apply.
- Reducing Length of Stay: No refund for shortened stays once checked in.
- Substitutions: Permitted with advance notice and updated guest indemnity.
- Check-in / Check-out Info
- Standard Check-in: 14:00–18:00
- Check-out: By 10:00
- Late Arrivals: Must be arranged in advance. No check-ins after dark unless authorised.
- Early Check-ins / Late Check-outs: Subject to availability and additional charges.
- Conservation Fee & Purpose
To support our ongoing environmental and community efforts, a mandatory, non-refundable conservation fee is applied to each guest’s stay:
Children under 10 are exempt from this fee.
This fee directly supports our core conservation pillars, wildlife protection and anti-poaching initiatives, environmental sustainability programs, local community upliftment, and conservation partnerships.
Eco Cabins and Lapa Loft are charged per unit
Executive and Luxe Suites are charged per person
Enquire about the Conservation Levies with our Support team by emailing bookings@goatswindow.com or by calling +27 21 201 6904
- Indemnity & Guest Risk
- By staying at Goats Window, guests acknowledge and accept:
- The presence of free-roaming wildlife, including buffalo.
- Exposure to rugged terrain and active farm elements.
- That all movement is at your own risk
- Responsibility for your own safety and that of your dependents.
- Indemnity Agreement
- All guests are required to sign a formal indemnity waiver upon check-in. This includes:
- Release of liability for injury, death, loss, or damage
- Agreement to abide by all lodge safety protocols
- Acknowledgement of risk and responsibility for damages
- House Rules & Smoking
- No Smoking Indoors: Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas.
- Cashless Property: All extras are billed to the guest’s account.
- Noise Policy: No amplified music, loud noise, or disruptive behaviour.
- Pets: Strictly prohibited in collaboration to protect the wildlife.
- Age Policy: No guests under 12 years old are allowed to stay on their own. Guests aged 12–18 require prior written approval and may only stay in designated suites (Prestige only).
- Unit-Specific Rules
Executive and Luxe Suites
- Age Restriction: No guests under 10 years old are permitted.
- Access: Guests are escorted; no private vehicles allowed in the wildlife camp where the Executive and Luxe Suites are located.
- Movement: Walking is only permitted between the suites and communal areas.
- Inclusions: Daily game drive and a gourmet breakfast.
- Wood is refilled daily for the Kol Kol wood-fired hot tub.
- Extras: Any additional costs incurred will be charged to the room.
Lapa Loft and Rooms
- Movement: Walking allowed within Lapa zone (rooms, paths, garden).
- Vehicle Restrictions: No driving past Lapa turn-off. No movement between 18:30–06:30.
- Safety: No vehicle exits from Lapa to Game Gate outside daylight hours.
- Catering: Fully self-catering with access to Eco Terrace Restaurant.
- Extras: Wood provided and replenished daily.
Eco Cabins
- Movement: Walking and cycling are permitted only on designated white gravel roads.
- Prohibited Areas: No access to “No Entry” roads, trails, or wildlife gates.
- Vehicle Use: Guests may drive their vehicle to Reception, the Eco Terrace, and their Cabin only. Top gate access is restricted to guided lodge activities.
- Catering: Fully self-catering. Access to the Eco Terrace and main restaurant is subject to availability.
- Extras: Wood provided and replenished daily.
- Prohibited Actions
- The following actions are prohibited and may result in immediate eviction without refund:
- Feeding or Interacting with Wildlife: Dangerous and strictly forbidden.
- Chasing or Disturbing Animals: Guests must not approach or harass any wildlife.
- Walking in Restricted Areas: Only approved paths between rooms and communal areas may be used.
- Ignoring No Entry Zones: Roads or trails marked “No Entry” are off-limits to all guests.
- Contact Details for Pre-Arrival Support
For guest queries, transfer arrangements, dietary preferences, and other requests, please contact us:
- Email: bookings@goatswindow.com
- Phone: +27 21 201 6904
- Operating Hours: Monday–Saturday, 08:00–18:00 (SAST)